VegetableBeet
Cylindra Beet
Cylindrical Beet
The Cylindra beet transforms the humble round beet into something extraordinary, a Danish heirloom that grows into sleek, elongated cylinders perfect for uniform slicing. Also known as 'Formanova' or 'Butter Slicer,' this sweet variety matures in 55-60 days and thrives across zones 2-10. Its unique cylindrical shape maximizes harvest yield in small spaces while delivering exceptionally sweet, tender flesh that chefs prize for its consistent texture and easy preparation.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/beet-cylindra)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
18 in
Height
6 in
Width
PeriodBiennial
TypeRoot Crop
Spacing
3-4 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
2-10
Size
18in H x 6in W
Growth
Biennial
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
This Danish treasure earned its 'Butter Slicer' nickname for good reason, its cylindrical roots create perfectly uniform slices that make traditional round beets look clumsy by comparison. The sweet, tender flesh excels at everything from juicing to canning, while the skin slips off easily after cooking. Beyond the superior processing qualities, Cylindra delivers impressive yields in tight spaces, growing 6-7 inches long in just 1-inch spacing. The edible greens add another dimension to your harvest, and the variety's cold hardiness allows for extended growing seasons.
Common Uses
Cylindra beets excel in applications where uniform presentation matters, from elegant roasted vegetable platters to professional canning operations. The consistent cylindrical shape makes them ideal for pickling, while the sweet flesh performs beautifully when roasted, baked, steamed, or added fresh to salads. The tender greens can be harvested young for salads or sautéed as mature leaves, and the variety's superior juicing qualities make it a favorite for fresh beet juice.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
N/a (Grown For Its Root)
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Mid-fall
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost or in late summer for fall harvest. Plant in late summer through August for extended fall harvesting. Seeds germinate in 14-21 days in soil temperatures as cool as 45°F.
Harvesting
Harvest Cylindra beets when roots reach 6-7 inches long and 1-3 inches in diameter, typically 55-60 days after planting. Gently loosen soil around the root and pull carefully to avoid breaking the cylindrical shape. Harvest early for sweeter flavor and more tender texture, as larger roots may become woody if left too long. The greens can be harvested throughout the season by taking 1-2 mature leaves per plant while leaving several leaves to support root development.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Beta nana Boiss. & Heldr.
Family
Chenopodiaceae
Genus
Beta
History & Origin
“Cylindra beet originated in Denmark, where breeders developed this distinctive elongated variety that would eventually earn worldwide recognition among home gardeners and professional chefs alike. This heirloom variety represents centuries of careful selection for the perfect balance of shape, sweetness, and processing ease, eventually making its way to American gardens where it became beloved for its unique form and exceptional flavor.”